Easyjet racks up half year losses after being hit by the pound’s collapse

File photo of an easyJet plane at Gatwick Airport, as the budget airline racked up large half-year losses after being stung by the collapse in the value of the Brexit-hit pound and the later timing of Easter. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 16, 2017. Photo: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

Greg Wright, Deputy Business Editor

Budget airline easyJet has racked up large half-year losses after being stung by the collapse in the value of the Brexit-hit pound and the later timing of Easter.

The low-cost carrier reported a £236 million pre-tax loss in the six months to March 31, which compares with an £18 million loss in the same period last year.

EasyJet said that the impact of the timing of Easter into the second half of the year stood at around £45 million while currency woes cost it £82 million in the period.

Chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “The first half loss is in line with market expectations and reflects the movement of Easter into the second half as well as currency effects which together had an estimated impact of circa £127 million on the bottom line.”

However, Dame Carolyn added that summer bookings are ahead of last year and that demand for flights and holidays remains “strong”, with consumers prioritising travel expenditure over “non-essential” items.

Despite the loss, easyJet is maintaining its full-year expectations.

Revenue grew 3.2% to £1.8 billion in the period, with the company recording a 9% rise in passengers to 33.8 million and a 0.5% increase in load factor to 90.2%.

The group is also setting up a new operating company in mainland Europe and applying for a new licence to secure flying rights on continental routes after Brexit.

To this end, easyJet said it “remains on track” to secure a European Air Operator Certificate by the summer.

Dame Carolyn added: “Looking ahead, we are seeing an improving revenue per seat trend as well as the continued reduction of competitor capacity growth.

“Cost performance for the full year will continue to be strong, easyJet is delivering on its strategy of purposeful investment in securing and building strong positions at Europe’s leading airports which is driving competitive advantage with sustainable returns.”